136-334 Science, Life and Mind (Science 3)

Formerly taught as 136-203/303/308. Students who have completed 136-203/303/308 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Students cannot gain credit for both this subject and 136-203/303 before 1999 or 136-034 after 1998. Only available at science third year; for other levels see 136-034 Science, Life and Mind. This subject is based on 136-034 but involves additional work.

Two second-year HPS subjects.

Science depends on people being able to rationally investigate reality. Recent advances in cognitive psychology and evolutionary theory enable us to better understand how human rationality is possible and thus how science is possible. This subject deals with such historical and philosophical questions as: How do scientists determine the standard for good reasoning? What are those standards? How accurate are their judgements? On successful completion of this subject, students should be familiar with the major philosophical theories of rationality; with the psychological, sociological and biological evidence regarding human rationality and irrationality; and have developed a better understanding of the relationships between the philosophical, biological, and psychological positions

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

Written work totalling 6000 words, consisting of one 250 word paper 4% (due week 4); one 750 word paper 13% (due week 8); one 3000 word final paper 50% (due in the exam period); and one 2000 word final paper 33% (due in the exam period).